Fri Nov 22 14:54:33 UTC 2024: ## Russia Launches New Missile in Ukraine, Raising Nuclear Concerns

**KYIV/LONDON** – Russia launched a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) toward Dnipro, Ukraine on Thursday, prompting immediate concerns about escalation in the ongoing conflict. Ukrainian officials initially reported the missile as an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

The missile, based on the Russian RS-26 Rubezh, was confirmed by the Pentagon as an experimental weapon, equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs), although it did not carry nuclear warheads. The U.S. was notified beforehand. A U.S. official stated that Russia likely only possesses a limited number of these missiles.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the launch as a significant escalation. Russian President Vladimir Putin justified the attack by claiming the right to use weapons against countries that deploy weapons against Russia, adding that the test was successful. He stated that Russia employed a non-nuclear hypersonic missile. The Kremlin informed the U.S. 30 minutes prior to the launch.

While Ukrainian military initially believed the strike was from an ICBM, a later assessment indicated it was an IRBM. The missile’s range, approximately 600 miles from the suspected launch point in the Astrakhan region, was shorter than what’s typical for an ICBM. Six other missiles launched simultaneously were intercepted. No casualties or major damage were reported.

The incident follows Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles against targets within Russia, prompting Putin to update Russia’s nuclear doctrine earlier this week, lowering the threshold for nuclear response. Ukraine also launched British Storm Shadow missiles, reportedly injuring a senior North Korean general among other casualties. These actions in turn led to Putin’s retaliatory strike.

Zelenskyy attributed the Russian missile launch to Putin’s fear of Ukraine’s independence. The launch raises serious concerns about the potential for further escalation and the potential use of nuclear weapons. The situation continues to unfold.

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